Chapter 41: Servant
Up on stage, Gao Yan finally finished reading 'Circulation of Law'.
In the beginning the surroundings were silent before a whispered discussion erupted. The students did not understand the meaning behind the essay but found the words and citations gorgeous. However, the Darens sitting at the male side of the banquet understood the depth, and even though this essay seemed inconsequential, it could inadvertently point out the loopholes in Ming Qi's laws and while making clever suggestions on what changes were to be made. For a student, this was somewhat inconceivable.
The examiners on the stage did not expect Gao Yan to be someone who hid his real knowledge. But rules were meant to be kept, thus, when they were suspicious of a student's performance, they would be tested, just like Shen Miao's painting before. In all fairness, this 'Circulation of Law' was much superior than Shen Miao's painting as it was literally well written and practical. The examiner questioned, "As per the essay that was read out, Ming Qi's laws cover a wide scope and as for the sub categories, what kind of breakdown should there be?"
Gao Yan's heart jump for joy. Other than that 'Circulation of Law' in the manuscript, there was also a question that was exactly the same as what the examiner asked. He was really grateful to the person who helped him by writing this manuscript and thought to reward some more money in the future. Therefore, he calmly raised his head and answered according to the manuscript, "It is divided in three portions. Merchants' portion, officials' portion and commoners' portion should respectively..."
Off the stage, Historian Adviser Jing was grinning from ear to ear. To reach his position in the official circle, he only relied on the Emperor's support and his wide network. As for real abilities, he did not have any. It was good that he had Gao Jing, a good son who could help him to deal with a lot of matters at his young age. Now, with his second son who had displayed such unusual improvements in talents, he would've to go to his ancestral hall to burn two big incense sticks as offerings.
Gao Jing was smarter than his father and did not believe that his own younger brother could possess such wisdom. To be this eloquent even with the examiner's question, it could not be that he was able to bribe even the examiners. Thus, he was unable to understand at all.
Pei Lang picked the teacup on the table to take a sip, but his hand was somewhat trembling. He did not know why, but every sentence that Gao Yan spoke felt as if imprinted in his mind. That kind of familiarity made him feel ridiculous and the anxiety in his heart could not be quelled.
Su Ming Lang took a short nap and upon waking up saw the people around him staring at Gao Yan with a look of appreciation. He tugged Master Su's sleeves and asked, "Father, is what he spoke really good?"
"A highly-talented youth." Father Su directly commented.
Su Ming Lang pouted as if it was incomprehensible. After turning around and not seeing Su Ming Feng's figure, he asked, "Why is Oldest Brother not back?"
Master Su lightly coughed, "Now that your Eldest Brother is weak, it is actually with great reservations that he came today. So let him rest for a while more."
Fu Xiu Yi heard the commotion there and glanced at Master Su. Seeing that Master Su was not even changing his expression when mentioning Su Ming Feng, he retracted his gaze thoughtfully.
In any case, Gao Yan had fought today's battle very beautifully and as for the questions that the examiners posed, he could answer them naturally and thus dispelled the suspicion in everyone's heart. Needless to say, he naturally had gotten a 'first rank'. Ranking was only the second thing as from this day onwards, when one mentions Historian Adviser Jing, other than Gao Jing, one would know that he had a highly talented second son.
Gao Yan stepped down the stage complacently. This round of 'selecting' ended like this and it was now the turn of the 'selecting' category for the female group.
Feng An Ning did not go up the stage as she had already won first rank in 'qin', and since she had already gotten the qin in the 'drawing lots' category and was not particularly gifted in other areas, there was no need to go up on stage. Shen Qing chose chess as she was good in calculation which was a slight advantage when playing chess. As expected for Shen Yue, she chose 'qin'.
Shen Yue had always loved things that could highlight her refined appearance and because Chen Rou Xiu had good qin skills and could also compose some music and lyrics, Shen Yue also learned these skills well. Every year she would rank first and it was during this time that everyone would be able to listen and appreciate her qin abilities.
In the female group, once there was Shen Yue, the others would not pick the 'qin' and disgrace themselves. Shen Qing, naturally, also put in a lot of hard work and got the first rank in the 'chess' category.
After going around, it was time for 'qin' and the audience started to discuss again.
Shen Yue went up the stage and washed her hands in incense. She was born with an air of gracefulness and a gentle appearance which was truly moving. With a light smile on her lips, she really had an appearance of a little fairy.
The piece she played was 'Singing to the Moon'.
'Singing to the Moon' was an extremely difficult piece and was about a distant traveller who was missing their homeland and loved ones. The beginning was gentle and wistful, followed by intense sadness before leaving one in tears at the end. This piece tested the skills and talents of the player and was also an emotional piece.
In the last lifetime, Shen Yue had also made use of this piece to gain the limelight and for a period of time no one was second to her. As compared to Shen Miao who was much lower than her, it was even more unbearable. Now to think about it, every time Shen Yue gained a favourable reputation, it was stepping on Shen Miao's sorry situation to climb up.
Shen Miao looked towards the young lady on the stage.
Shen Yue had started. As she plucked the qin's strings, it was as if the strings had spirits of their own, spreading their ethereal sound under her soft and gentle hands to everyone's ears. Her fingers were like butterflies weaving through the sea of flowers, each turn was well coordinated with nature.
Feng An Ning bit her lips. Even if she did not like Shen Yue, she had to admit that her qin skills were outstanding. Upon comparison, the piece she played to get 'first rank' was very clumsy.
This was a piece of missing one's loved ones and homeland, but it made Shen Miao to clench her fists.
Even if she lived her life again, those who were dead cannot be resurrected. Wan Yu and Fu Ming would no longer appear. Shen Yue's song was like a resentful knell. When one heard it, not only was there no comfort it was also filled with blood feud.
Cai Lin ran out of the banquet as he was thinking of getting closer to the stage so that he could look at every single expression of his beloved. He was drunk in the beautiful qin sounds when suddenly someone's conversation interrupted.
"Second Young Lady is truly unlucky. She has never gotten second place before and the first position was unexpectedly won by Fifth Young Lady with tricks." The one talking was a slender servant who Cai Lin recognised as Shen Yue's personal maid, so he involuntarily looked over.
"That's not only it. In addition, Fifth Young Lady did not even want to participate in the 'selecting' category and it's obvious that she is setting herself against Second Young Lady." the other servant said.
"Ai. Unfortunately, our Second Young Lady is good-hearted and has suffered a heap of anger from Fifth Young Lady. If it were not because of Fifth Young Lady's reliance on First Master, could she treat Second Young Lady like this? Second Young Lady is truly pitiful. She has prepared for so long but was robbed of the fruit without any reason."
"If only someone was able to help Second Young Lady to vent it out. For example... Calling Fifth Young Lady to the stage during the 'challenging' category?"
"What nonsense you speak about." The other person interrupted her words, "Everyone knows that Fifth Young Lady has no knowledge of the four scholarly arts. If they were to pick Fifth Young Lady, it would be akin to lowering their position. I see that it is not possible for the female group. But if someone from the male group were to challenge her, that would then be venting for Second Young Lady."
The conversation gradually softened and Cai Lin's eyes moved. Looking at Shen Yue on the stage, an idea formed in his mind.
Chapter 42: Challenge Her!
One song of Shen Yue made the listeners drunk and stupefied. Females that had superior qin skills would be loved everywhere and especially so if the female was pretty. At least, on the male side of the banquet, Grade One students were too young but the youths of Grade Two and Three paid a lot of attention over to this side. Even though in Guang Wen Tang, Qin Qing's beauty ranked first, she had a proud temperament and was not as gentle and pleasing as Shen Yue.
"This older sister of yours plays exceedingly well." Feng An Ning reluctantly said, "I do not know from where she hired her qin teacher. Tomorrow, I will also ask Mother to find me a famous qin teacher for lessons."
They were all at the young age where their desire to compete was the highest. Just like when Shen Miao just became the Empress, she took everything with ease except for Fu Xiu Yi's heart that she controlled tightly. As long as Fu Xiu Yi gave a good expression to another female, she would start to worry. Moreover, with all the truth and fiction in the Inner Palace, one would privately trip and backstab others. She had the temperament of returning the grudges that she received immediately and therefore offended quite a number of people. Presently, this temperament of hers had not changed, but she would not use methods that would hurt herself.
"Speaking of which, Second Young Lady of Shen family is a rarely seen beauty with talents." Everyone loves beauty and Prince Zhou felt amazed by Shen Yue, yet he only said, "What a pity."
Even though others might not have understood what there was to pity, it was not possible that the few princes present did not understand. Shen Yue was born charming with infinite talents and to have such a beautiful and eloquent person as a partner, it would perhaps be one of the greatest thing in life. Unfortunately, she did not crawl out of Shen Furen's womb and was not the daughter of the Shen family's First Household but of the Third Household.
Unfortunately, Shen Xin who had military power in his hands, had such an idiot like Shen Miao for a daughter. Even though she looked a little different today, one's impression was not something that could be changed overnight. They believed that Shen Miao was being guided by someone behind the scenes and was still the idiot who did not know anything else.
After Gao Yan stepped down from the stage, Pei Lang gradually calmed down. Such a situation was his first encounter in this life. Even though he did not understand it, he did his utmost to relieve his anxieties. At the moment when he heard Prince Zhuo's words, he could not help but look at the purple clad young lady at the female side of the banquet.
She held a chess piece while being immersed in her thoughts. Even though they were separated by a distance and he could not see her eyes, he could feel that that those eyes were filled with careful examination and deep intent as if it was like the time when Shen Miao was looking at him. How could such a person be an idiot?
But people would not change overnight, unless it was Shen Miao who had put on an act of being silly and stupid. Why would she do so?
Even someone as intelligent as him could not gauge what was going on.
The female group's 'selection' ended with the completion of Shen Yue's 'Singing to the Moon'. Shen Yue naturally had gotten first rank, but today she did not feel happy because of this and felt some embarrassment instead.
She glanced at Shen Miao and saw she was engrossed in her chess game and did not even look at her. She knew that Shen Miao had no skills in the four scholarly arts and would know nothing about chess. To look so serious today, it was only to deliberately pull her face down. Chen Rou Qiu took note of her expressions and warned her in a whisper, "Yue-er, you have forgotten yourself."
Chen Rou Qiu's expectation for her daughter was that regardless of the situation she must remain calm. Whether she was truly calm or had to act it out, she must always let others see a calm image. When a female had a calm appearance, her temperament would be superior but if one was flustered, one would not have the bearings of an aristocratic family. In all fairness, Chen Rou Qiu's method of teaching females was indeed good, and she herself did very well. Unfortunately, Shen Yue was still somewhat young, had yet to experience failure and thus did not understand how to endure silently.
Hearing Chen Rou Qiu's warning, Shen Yue slightly retracted the anger on her face. The servant at her side served her a cup of tea, "May Young Lady drink a sip of tea to freshen your throat."
Shen Yue took the tea over and looked at the servant. The servant smiled at her, she understood in her heart before the smile on her face became somewhat real. She said, "It is somewhat warm. I am very interested in the next 'challenge' category."
Because Shen Qing had gotten first rank in 'chess', her mood was much more pleasant as she smiled, "This year there will not be any differentiation between genders or grades, so the challenges should be more intense."
It goes without saying that the 'challenge' round was the most anticipated of the three. This was because, in the 'drawing lots' round, one may not draw the best, in the 'selection' round one will pick their best skill to perform. Thus, in the 'challenge' round there would always be two people competing against each other on their best abilities. Because females tend to be friendly outwardly, they had to portray an indifferent expression to show that they did not value the results of this round. But the males were different. Youths would like to compare with others to determine ranking of one another and at this age where they were at their most competitive, it would always be the most intense during the yearly 'challenge' round.
In this year's 'challenge' round, regardless of female or male, irrespective of Grade Two or Three, all the students could do it together. As long as one wants to challenge another, they could do so. Even though it could be said that male and female could challenge one another, there were most likely no such instances.
There were indeed no challenges this year in the literary topics thus the highlight fell naturally on the military topics.
This practically isolated the possibility for female involvement. Even though there was no shortage of daughters of the military with martial arts skills, but when compared to their male counterparts, there was a huge variance and thus one would not be successful.
And yet one was surprised to see that from the male side of the banquet, Cai Ling stood up first and went up the stage.
The examiner asked him what area he was challenging, he pointed to the slip of paper that indicated arrow shooting and said, "Shooting arrows from a distance."
It was evident to everyone. This overlord, Cai Lin, was ignorant in literary matters but was considered outstanding in military skills. In that, his shooting skill was the best as he could shoot his targets every single time and was even ranked first in last year's academy examinations on arrow shooting.
Who was he going to challenge today? In the audience, there was no one who was more outstanding than him in shooting arrows from a distance.
Cai Lin craned his neck and suddenly his hand pointed towards the female side of the banquet.
When everyone saw that he was pointing towards the female side of the banquet and not the male side, they were shocked. When they finally saw clearly who he was pointing at, their jaws dropped and even discussions came to a halt.
He also intentionally shouted out loud, "I want to challenge her, Shen Miao!"
That purple clad young female who was immersed in the chess game raised her head and looked straight at the person on stage with clear bright eyes. Her expression did not seem to fluctuate and there were no mistakes in her actions as if this earth-shattering sentence was just a casual greeting that she need not answer.
Chen Rou Xiu frowned. She had taught Shen Yue wholeheartedly, but Shen Miao seemed to be the one to have learnt to maintain one's composure instead.
In the distant pavilion, the handsome youth who was leisurely drinking tea suddenly spurted it all out and there was a trace of surprise in his otherwise frivolous expression, "Is that boy from the Cai family crazy?"
Shen Miao stood up. On the chess game on the table, the black pieces spread across the entire board and were approaching her.
The first pawn had been dispatched.
She picked up a white piece and placed it down. The black pieces were swallowed and she chicly tossed them into the bamboo basket.
"Accepted." She responded.
Chapter 43: Life and Death Agreement
The wind during autumn was usually elegant and fresh, but at this moment because of the tense atmosphere, even the flowery fragrance became stronger...
Shen Yue covered her mouth and said sounding surprised, "This... Fifth Younger Sister is a female, why would any young lady accept this challenge?"
"Exactly." Chen Rou Qiu also worriedly said, "Fifth Lady, you must not force yourself. Even though Eldest Brother-in-law is a general, you all along do not have knowledge of these stuff."
Chen Rou Qiu's words were said cleverly to get what she desired, to say that Shen Xin was a General but Shen Miao, as his daughter, did not know archery. The reason females did not like playing with knives and handling spears might be somewhat justified because of not knowing military skills. But if one does not have knowledge in military and literary skills, then one would be quite terrible. Moreover, everyone knew that Shen Miao had no knowledge in the four scholarly arts and to add on by saying that she was not good at military skills, this demoted her reputation to nothing and one would also slight Shen Xin's household.
"But... The rules for this challenge cannot be changed." Shen Qing looked anxious but her voice had a tone that was rejoicing in Shen Miao's misfortune, "Once an opponent is picked, no matter what the topic, one must complete the challenge. But everyone always picks an outstanding person to compete against. Could it be possible that Fifth Younger Sister has a hidden skill, else why would Cai Lin pick you out?"
Her words were somewhat piercing, but not only did Ren Wan Yun not stop her, she smiled, "Eldest daughter is saying nonsense. How would Fifth Lady know how to play with knives and handle spears? Fifth Lady, if you do not wish to go up on stage to compete, Second Shen will personally speak to the academy examiners. You are still young and considering Eldest Brother-in-law's face, they would not make things difficult for you."
Even though Ren Wan Yun's words sounded as if she was rescuing her lovingly, if one were to think very carefully, it would not be the case. After all, in the academy examinations, there was no one that was an exception. For Shen Miao to be a precedent, most likely the residents of the Ding capital would start to talk. Moreover, to use Shen Xin's reputation, it might sound to others that Shen Xin used his meritorious efforts to gain privileges. After all, one would conform to the views of the majority and other than the advantage of having a good identity, there were lots of disadvantages as well.
And she would never allow anyone to say anything 'bad' about Shen Xin.
"Thanking Second Shen, it is not required." She stood up in the female side of the banquet and slowly walked towards the stage. The entire arena quietened down and one could clearly hear the young lady's voice as it set off a wave in the arena.
"I comply to this fight."
Cai Lin vision faltered. The reason he did this was nothing more than wanting to vent it for Shen Yue. In the military topic, it would always be a misfortune for a male to challenge a female. But he was used to being a scoundrel and would most likely be scolded by his own parents upon return. However, thinking of being able to vent it out for Shen Yue, delighted Cai Ling from the bottom of his heart. He thought that it would be good if Shen Miao did not dare to accept this challenge, then he would ruthlessly ridicule her.
But one could not imagine that Shen Miao actually accepted the challenge. Not only that, she was portraying such a calm and magnanimous demeanour. Watching that purple clad person slowly walk up the stage, Cai Lin's heart felt strange.
It was as if she had no fear.
But how could that be possible? Shen Miao did not know archery and he knew it better than anyone. For someone who had never practiced martial arts, naturally, they would be ignorant of it. Shen Miao could possibly not even know how to properly hold a bow, and in the face of something that one was not good at and had never tried before, anyone would panic.
She could actually keep up the act to such a point?
Just as Cai Lin was pondering, he suddenly felt a pair of eyes on him. He turned and met with Shen Yue's eyes from the female side of the banquet. When Shen Yue saw him looking over, she felt embarrassed and lowered her head. Cai Lin's heart was captivated by that one scene.
Every youth's heart has a lovely dream of being a hero saving a beauty. As of now, in Cai Lin's eyes, he was that hero who stood out on behalf of the beauty and as for Shen Miao, she was that evil and ugly villain.
Regardless of whether she accepted or declined this challenge, he would definitely make Shen Miao lose all of her face, and her embarrassment would be in full view of everyone.
This was to make her not run rampant in front of Shen Yue again!
Generally speaking, the topic on 'challenging' was that the person who challenged would set the rules and also dictate on how the challenge would be carried out, and the person who was challenged could only accept it. So, because no one knew how it would develop, every year this round would attract the highest amount of attention.
Shen Miao walked up the stage.
The chief examiner of the academy examinations was in a somewhat difficult situation. Shen Miao was after all a delicate little young lady. It was justifiable for female and male to challenge each other in the literary topics, but for military ones, it was feared that Cai Lin was deliberately making a fool out of her.
"Today's play is extremely good." Prince Zhou clapped his hands, seemingly showing his interest, "I am Afraid that the reputation of Shen Family's First Household would fall a thousand Zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet)."
Prince Jing shook his head and sighed, "General Shen's good reputation was gained in the battlefield, but his daughter is failing to live up to expectations." In Prince Jing's heart it was not only that she failed to live up to expectations but was also actually very silly. It was obvious that it would be wrong for her to either accept or decline the challenge, and with that kind of attitude whatever followed would be even more laughable.
Cai Lin's lips complacently curled up, "This year I have thought up of an interesting rule since it would be boring to follow the usual rules. The archery challenge this year would be for us to shoot at one another. You put a fruit on top of your head and I will shoot at you with an arrow, after which I will put one on my head and you shoot at me. How about it?"
When those words were said, the entire arena went into an uproar!
That examiner jumped in shock. This could result in death. Shen Miao was ultimately Shen Xin's daughter and if anything happened to her, when Shen Xin returned at the end of the year, who would be able to handle him if he were to look into it?
He quickly said, "Student Cai..."
Cai Lin waved his hand, "Teacher, Guang Wen Tang does not prioritise specifically for anyone. It is the case for previous regulations for the challenger to define the rules. So Why? A dignified Grand General's daughter is such a timid younger generation?"
Shen Yue lowered her head and covered her tilted lips. Feng An Ning frowned but did not know what to do.
"His words are not wrong." The voice was somewhat hoarse but it was from Prince Yu who had kept his eyes closed all the time. There was a trace of an eccentric smile on his grim face as he said, "Naturally, there was no argument that rules are meant to be fixed specifically for anyone. Is it possible that in the battlefield, because the enemy is strong, General Shen would temporarily flee? If so, then it is understandable." Finishing, he himself found it funny and started laughing.
Shen Miao's eyes suddenly sharpened.
These people's words were all mocking Shen Xin and they really thought that she was the weakness of the First Household of the Shen family. Before the anger that was accumulated finally burst forth, she looked at Cai Lin who was enjoying this good play and swept her eyes across the people in the banquet who were mocking.
The Shen Miao that was reborn could tolerate, but the mistress of the Inner Palace, Empress Shen had a temperament of seeking revenge for the smallest grievance.
She coldly said, "My father fights in bloody battles in foreign lands to guard families and defend the country so that the Chrysanthemum Banquet like today's can be held and students can compete." There was a flash of mockery in her eyes, "The win in today's competition does not mean anything. The outstanding people are the ones that have killed on the battlefield. As for the rules you set, why would I not dare?"
Everyone blanked out for a moment.
"Why would I not dare? With your exquisite archery skills, you will naturally be able to shoot the fruits, whereas my archery skills are not up to par. If the arrow goes sideways, the person that would fear for their life is you."
She smiled lightly as her voice seemed to have flown from afar but was as loud as thunder to everyone.
"In this case, sign a life and death agreement. Whether injured or dead, the consequences will be at our own peril."
"Cai Ling, do you dare?"
Chapter 44: Dare to Kill
In the huge Yan Bei Tang, there was a moment of silence.
The young female's back was straight. Even though her stature was petite, it was as if it contained an infinite amount of power. As for her gestures, it was as if everything was beneath her feet.
Cai Lin was speechless for a moment.
What Shen Miao said was not wrong. To shoot at each other like this, the one who would be in the most danger would be him. This was because of Shen Miao's lack of archery skills and if it deviated by a little, perhaps that arrow would have pierced his skull. But how would Cai Lin think that much? He had thought of it very simply, as long as he chose archery, with Shen Miao's temperament, she would definitely be so scared that her feet would feel weak and beg him for mercy as her tears flow. He would then play with her for a round and with that, her face would be lost and he could help Shen Yue vent her frustrations.
As for matters after that, Cai Lin had yet to think about them. In his mind, Shen Miao would naturally be scared off her wits, so how would she have the energy to shoot arrows at him? Moreover, for a female who has not even drawn a bow before, she would not even be able to draw the bow fully and would only make a fool of herself.
Cai Lin thought so, but he had missed out on Shen Miao's reaction. She just looked at him quietly and that kind of calm was unlike her age, it infuriated him. Her eyes were as if she was watching a child performing an act, pitiful but ridiculous.
Since he was at the most impulsive age, Cai Ling spoke without a second thought, "What do I dare not do? Life and death agreement, then life and death agreement!"
"Ai!" Cai Daren who was at the male side of the banquet sighed. He hated that he could not rush and beat up this unfilial son. Previously, Cai Lin was only unruly, but Cai Daren did not think that his son would actually pick on Shen Miao. With regards to the life and death agreement, Cai Daren was not worried about his son's safety but only feared that he would really make Shen Miao lose all face or cause an injury to her. Not everyone was able to oppose Shen Xin, that old roughneck.
Shen Yue anxiously said, "Why did Fifth Younger Sister set a life and death agreement? It is only an academy examination, why would one need to go to such an extent? This cannot do."
"Yes. Why is Fifth Lady not sensible?" Ren Wan Yun frowned, "How can one speak such words at a spur of emotions. What if something goes wrong?"
She did mention that it was Cai Lin that forced Shen Miao to make this choice and only attributed it to Shen Miao's rash actions due to her feeling wronged. Chen Rou Qiu shook her head and softly sighed, "In the end, her desire to win is stronger."
For them to be this 'caring' and 'anxious' for Shen Miao, there naturally was no lack of interest on the male side of the banquet.
Prince Yu of the first rank kept staring straight at the purple clad young female as his muddy eyes exuded interest. It was as if a beast had found its prey, his gaze made one feel nauseous.
"This Young Lady Shen is truly foolhardy." Prince Zhou pointedly said, "To even sign a life and death agreement. She does not know that when she does that, if anything goes wrong, Shen Xin would not be able to bring the matter up?"
"Most likely it was to maintain the Shen family's reputation." Fu Xiu Yi looked at Shen Miao on the stage and said, "After all, no one would be willing to listen to negative words about one's own family."
"Unfortunately, this would not change the facts at all." Prince Jing shook his head, "She is too impulsive. No wonder she is called ignorant and stupid."
Pei Lang picked up the tea on the table and took a sip. He also felt that Shen Miao's action was just too impulsive. Although he knew that Prince Jing's words were actually too much, if Shen Miao was thinking for the sake of the Shen family, she should have thought of a way to retreat without any harm done. Even though this would still be spoken about, it was still better than making a fool of herself in public.
"Father, she will definitely win." Su Ming Lang made a little fist with his hands to represent his own position to his father.
Master Su looked at his younger son. He did not know why, but he felt that Su Ming Lang paid special attention to Shen Miao. He thought that it was most likely she had coincidentally entered Su Ming Lang's eyes. Ever since the last time Su Ming Lang reminded him to withdraw from the strong currents, he treated his younger son more amiably. Today, he also did not want to sweep his younger son's mood away, so he vaguely went along with his words, "Exactly, she will definitely win."
Su Ming Feng did not know about Su Ming Lang's and Master Su's attitudes. If he did, he would definitely scoff at them because at this moment, he was sitting in the pavilion and could not help but speak as he looked towards the academy examination's stage, "The Young Lady of the Shen family is really daring to even draw up the life and death agreement. Could it be that it is common for General Shen to talk about army matters to her and she thought that this was a competition in army? This is just too senseless."
Su Ming Feng had never covered up his words while talking to his good friend, but this time he did not hear any response from his most discerning friend and thus could not help but look at the other person.
The purple clad youth picked up the begonia in his hand and contemplated. The sun shone just right, with the breeze blowing the tassel on his dagger and coupled with his handsome brows, his pensive visage made one sigh, he was a peerless gentleman.
"*Xie San (referring to Xie Jing Xing), what are you thinking about?" Su Ming Feng could not help but ask.
Xie Jing Xing placed the begonia in his clothes and suddenly stood up with a smile on his lips, "Interesting. How about we make a bet?"
"What kind of bet?"
"Let's bet–" Xie Jing Xing pointed at the stage and smiled breezily, "Who will win?"
"Naturally, it would be Cai Lin." Su Ming Feng frowned, "Could it be that you think otherwise?"
"I bet Shen Miao will win." he said.
Preparations started on the stage.
Archery, today's military topic, was enough to capture everyone's attention. But this was not a challenge in an academy examinations but clearly a gamble of one's life.
Guang Wen Tang indeed let them sign the life and death agreement and the red words on the white cloth were exceptionally eye-catching. Shen Miao picked up the brush to pen her name and she wrote it in a naturally elegant way as if she did not care about the importance of this thing.
That was of course. She had written her name so many times. When Fu Xiu Yi wrote the letter of surrender to the Xiong Nu, when she became the hostage in Qin country, when Wan Yu was married, when the Crown Prince was abolished... The two words, Shen Miao, represented blood and tears. The suffering and difficulty in the two words was something that no one could understand.
In contrast, Cai Lin did not have it easy.
Although one would feel the strongest during their youth, but this was after all the first time he signed such a thing like the life and death agreement. Cai Lin was only a child that was very well protected by his family and had not matured enough. When Shen Miao was this calm, it made the fear in his heart grew.
Under the heavy weight of the brush, he wrote with difficulty and his name came out crooked, displaying the vast contrast as compared to Shen Miao's name.
After writing, he could not help but ask, "Shen Miao, are you not afraid that I would shoot slanted during the first round? If I am afraid of you shooting me in the second round, I naturally can injure you in the first round."
Shen Miao was about to pick the fruits when she heard the words. She turned around and stared at Cai Lin, "Does Gentleman Cai think this way? I, however, do not agree."
She continued, "Everyone knows that Gentleman Cai's archery skills are extraordinary and unless deliberate, it would never miss. That means Gentleman Cai had the intent to kill me, but for me, it is otherwise. Everyone knows that I am ignorant in archery and if the targets are not shot, it would be reasonable."
Cai Lin was startled for a moment before he was dumbstruck and a wave of powerlessness surged in his heart.
That's right. If he shot it skewed, it would be deliberate, but if Shen Miao shot it askew, it would be natural. He cannot even miss any of it because... Everyone would be able to see that it was intentional!
He made it so Shen Miao was stuck between two difficult situations, but she immediately gave one back to him.
No matter what, it would still be wrong.
"In order to avoid being shot by me in the second round, Gentleman Cai can kill me in a fit of rage in the first round. Since the life and death agreement has been signed, when you kill me, it would only signify the end of the challenge and other than the saliva of the whole world, there will not be any responsibility to be borne."
"I am here. Do you dare to kill?"
Translator Notes:
* I have problems with Xie San (it would appear many times in the future). Xie is XJX surname and San means 3. Usually it meant the Xie family number 3 (rank of son or whatever)... But it does not make sense anywhere in terms of XJX ranking and the author did not explains why XJX has the nickname of 3rd Xie/ No. 3 Xie. So it is translated as it is pronounce.
Chapter 45: My Turn
Cai Lin looked at the young female opposite him like it was the first time, with eyes full of disbelief.
He was already accustomed to Guang Wen Tang and was spoilt as he grew up to almost the point that he could walk sideways. With regards to Shen Miao, he only wanted to teach her a lesson today. Who knew that not only was she not afraid but would even go against him? To even say these kind of words at this moment, the one who would prevail would definitely be him.
Cai Lin, do you dare?
Not to mention if he had the guts, even if he dared, could he? The Young Master of the Cai family could do things in a fit of emotions, but how about the Cai family? If Shen Miao was really killed by him today, not to mention about paying a life with a life, there exists a possibility that Shen Xin would cut down every single person in the Cai family before apologising.
Furthermore, he did not dare to do so.
He was one who could show off with some smart words but had not entered a battle before, so much so that he had never drawn any blood before. His archery was certainly very good but the targets were always fruits or animals and never people.
But now, how would there be a reason to withdraw? Shen Miao, a female, was not afraid, if he, a dignified man, withdrew then most likely he would have no face to step out of his residence at all.
Thinking of that, Cai Lin arrogantly said, "As what you say, whatever skills can be seen in the archery arena. You speak happily now, but who knows if you would be so frightened that you would pee yourself." His words were extremely rude, one did not know if it was said to cover up his own dismay. The calmer Shen Miao was, the more unsettled he became and he somehow wanted to see his opponent panic as it seemed to calm his own heart down. Therefore, he hoped that his words would make her embarrassed.
For an ordinary lady, if a male would speak that ruthlessly, one would naturally feel shame and fidget in embarrassment or most probably cry in a fit. But when Shen Miao heard him, she only shot a glance at him and that peaceful manner made Cai Lin feel that it was all his willfulness.
He was also somewhat baffled and suspected that he himself was somewhat muddled. How could he feel a guilty conscience when facing Shen Miao, this idiot?
Shen Miao had already gone to the examiner to get the fruit. That fruit was as big as an adult fist, square at the bottom and round at the top. Shen Miao stood at the eastmost side of the stage and placed the fruit on top of her head.
The arena started to gradually liven up.
"At this moment she must be forcefully keeping herself calm but is actually frightened out of her gall." Yi Pei Lan smiled as she said, "I really cannot wait to see her so scared that her tears and snot flow."
"Ever since Ming Qi examinations were established, there has never been a time that a female would be challenged by a male in a military topic." Jiang Xiao Xuan stuck her finger up and crooked her head, "Shen Miao can be considered the first. But to be made a fool in front of everyone, it would be terrible just thinking about it."
"Aiyo. Why is Fifth Lady still standing up in front? What if the Young Master Cai misses?" Ren Wan Yun said. She felt some predicament in her heart. If something really happened to Shen Miao, no matter how well Shen Xin treated the Shen family, he would also not let her off the hook.
"What is Second Sao worried about?" Chen Rou Qiu lightly said, "Anyway, everything is just kids playing around. The Young Master of Cai family is not a child who does not know anything. As long as Fifth Lady softens up and asks for mercy, naturally, he would not make things difficult for her. Now one can only hope that Fifth Lady would not fight back in a moment of anger."
She took this kind of life and death matter and used 'kids playing around' to describe it. After all, Ren Wan Yun was the one managing the family and if anything went wrong, it would be she who would bear it. However, her words went to Ren Wan Yun's heart. Everything was because Shen Miao's spur of emotions. If Shen Miao asked for mercy nicely and said a couple of nice words to Cai Lin, she, naturally, would not have fallen to this point.
"Rest assured." Chen Rou Qui said, "I see that gentleman from the Cai family most likely just wants to scare Fifth Lady. In this academy examination, everyone is fighting for an elegant demeanour, thus, it would not be possible to stop now."
"Mother need not have to worry." Shen Qing also said to Ren Wan Yun, "Cai Lin's archery is very good and it would not be the case that the targets are not hit."
Shen Qing thought that since Shen Miao was blocking her dreams of being a Prince's wife, she could not wait to pull down Shen Miao's prestige to nothing. Hearing that some people could be so scared that at times they would wet themselves, she wanted to know what would Shen Miao do?
Shen Qing thought, if Cai Lin really missed... it would be good to have her face ruined.
Shen Yue did not go as far ahead as Shen Qing. She only wished to look at how Shen Miao would beg for mercy while kneeling, as if with that she could be able to gain back her self-esteem. She glanced at Cai Lin from afar, but he did not seem to have seen her.
Cai Lin was holding the longbow in his hands as he faced Shen Miao, who was thirty Zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) away, his forehead filled with cold sweat.
Shen Miao stood there quietly as the wind blew her cloak. Between the rustling of the purple cloak, her brows were just like its surroundings, but there was a type of majestic bearing as if it was the calm after one had experienced storms and waves, and it coated a layer of dazzling brilliance all over her.
Cai Lin slowly pulled the bow as he thought: As long as Shen Miao begs for mercy. As long as one tear falls and she asks for mercy, he would then take the opportunity to humiliate her and he would not need to be in this dilemma anymore.
Unfortunately, his wishes were fruitless in the end. Shen Miao had a calm expression as if he was not worth her attention.
Shen Yue frowned.
Why had the scene of Shen Miao crying for mercy not appeared? Why did Shen Miao look even calmer than Cai Lin?
There were already many people who had realised this point and their original impression of that idiot gradually changed. Not every young lady could stand with a bow and arrow pointing at her without having great waves of expressions. If that was inherited from Shen Xin who had an unchanging face of calm in front of the enemy, one can only say that when a father was a lion, the daughter could not be a dog (means like father, like daughter).
Cai Lin's hands started trembling and the fruit that was three Zhang away, (1 zhang = 10 feet) normally an easy feat for him, was exceptionally difficult today. That distance seemed to be very far away.
And Shen Miao's words lingered by his ears, "I am here. Do you dare to kill?"
Did he dare? Did he dare? Did he dare?
With a 'xiu' sound, the arrow streaked across fiercely.
But it only stayed in the air for a while before falling off.
So much so that it even dropped before it reached the hems of Shen Miao's clothes. It was as if not enough energy was used, much less able to hit the target which was the fruit.
The entre arena was filled with laughter.
Even some of his classmates laughed as they joked, "Cai Lin, do you have tender and protective feelings for the fairer gender, else why can you not even shoot at three Zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) when ten zhang (1 zhang = 10 feet) targets will be hit accurately?"
He wiped the sweat on his forehead and immediately started to pull the bow again. The second arrow landed at Shen Miao's feet.
The third one brushed against her hairstyle and touched the fruit on top of her head. Shen Miao's hairstyle became undone and her black hair flowed down her entire shoulder.
However, even when the arrow brushed past her , she did not change her expression at all.
The black hair, purple clothes and the fair complexion of the young female, stood up straight in the wind.
Cai Lin's hands softened and the bow and arrows fell all around the floor. The entire arena was silent.
Even a fool could see that the person who was afraid was not Shen Miao but Cai Lin.
I am here. Do you dare to kill?
You dare not.
I dare.
She smiled lightly and that bright pair of cub-like eyes held a trace of ruthlessness. Coupled with her currently slightly naive face, it was strangely beautiful.
"Now it's my turn."